How to nail a job interview

Some things make me anxious, but a job-interview is not one of them. My father used to comfort me by saying ‘what’s there to lose?‘ So when i go to an interview i go with good intentions.

After taking lots of workshops in personal economics and leadership as well as courses in communication and human resources, i have prepared a list of job interview tips.

Print several copies of your cv and in different languages too !

Clean your hands before walking in and give a firm handshake

Don’t sit before the interviewer asks you to take a seat out of respect and smile when you have to

Never be late to an interview, it’s the worst impression to give and they won’t take you seriously !

Know exactly the tasks of the job you’re applying for

Look clean and presentable ( A shower before an interview is highly recommended )

Wear business formal attire to give a professional impression ( Unless the job you’re applying is in the arts field, then you’ll have to pull off your unique and creative style )

Loosen up and engage in the interview as if it’s a conversation

Be honest at all time and politely ask the employer to repeat the question in case you did not understand somthing

Maintain eye contact and a good posture

Be an active listener and never interrupt

Have your phone on silent at all times and hide it in your purse or pocket to avoid distractions

Have some tissue in your pocket

Have a pen and a small notebook ready to take notes

Take the time to think before answering a question and don’t react in case they ask absurd questions. They would be testing you in terms of how you react and how you justify yourself. Most of the time there is no ‘ right or wrong’ answer.

Do your research on the company, find their weaknesses and strenthgs. It shows you’ve done your homework and that you genuinely are interested in the company

Do a follow-up after 2-3 days, it gives a good impression. It gives you an edge compared to the rest of the candidates

Some typical interview questions :

-Why should we hire you?

-What’s your weakness & strength?

– What’s a negative quality you had at your previous job and how did you work on improving it?

– How can you add value to our company? Where do you think we can do better?

1 Comment

Another important point; carry your CV and other documents in a business folder. Colors like white, blue or black for the business folders look professional.. Bright colors can be distracting and also may give a different impression about your approach towards small things that make a lot of difference in an organization when it comes to hiring you. So ignore bright and go for subtle colors. Same goes for your notepad and pen.

Jennifer is not only interested in the latest fashion trends, beauty tips, and luxurious lifestyle; Her purpose is to cultivate society in an intellectual and distinctive way, by mixing Beauty & Brains on her blog.